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da jogodeouro： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Jermaine Beckford has given his thoughts on Leeds striker Patrick Bamford, claiming he’s an unsung hero but also talking about the massive burden on his shoulders.
What’s he said?
Bamford was withdrawn early in the game against Barnsley last weekend as he was replaced by eventual goal scorer Eddie Nketiah.
Whether the pair can play together has been discussed and teased by Marcelo Bielsa in the past and both of them have now already scored eight goals between them in all competitions.
So far, the former Middlesbrough man has been preferred in attack in the league but Beckford has hinted that he perhaps deserves more praise.
Talking to Yorkshire Evening Post, he claimed that the burden and pressures of playing with the number 9 on your back at Leeds is huge. He said:
“It’s massive if I’m honest with you. If you look at some of the veterans who have worn the number nine shirt prior to myself, the expectation levels and the pressure levels are sky high.
“You’re the focal point of the attack and you have to create, make things happen. The pressure for the number nine is huge.
“Last season I don’t think they had as much confidence in him in terms of his hold up play. I think he’s definitely an unsung hero for Leeds.”
Understandable pressures
Wearing the number 9 at Leeds understandably comes with a huge pressure but it shouldn’t be seen as a burden. Instead, it should be treasured and relished.
In the past, some of the great names of English football have worn it including Ian Rush, Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink.
The trio scored 622 goals between them throughout their careers as both Rush and Hasselbaink netted over 200 times. Viduka, meanwhile, bagged 118.
That shows their goal-scoring prowess and underlines the huge pressure Bamford has in following some illustrious footsteps.
Beckford also wore the number 9 at Leeds so knows what he’s talking about having scored 84 goals for the Whites.
It’s a definite burden but after some more mature performances from Bamford this season, it looks like he’s taken on the added responsibility.
He was of course banned for deceiving the referee last term but has worked hard in 2019/20, starting each league game and also being hailed by fans for his efforts.